Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Clear, cloudless sky possible for 2017's final Manhattanhenge sunset

July 11,2017, 10:39:53AM,EDT

In hopes of being bathed in a dazzling sunset glow that trumps any
social media filter, selfie snappers may fare better this time around
for 2017’s final Manhattanhenge.

New Yorkers are once again
expected to flood the streets of Manhattan on July 12 and 13 for a
glimpse of the breathtaking sunset, which occurs four times annually.
Clouds
thwarted May’s highly anticipated astronomical display in New York
City, during which the sun perfectly aligns with Manhattan’s street grid
at sunset.
According to the American Museum of Natural History, buildings along the borough’s east- and westward roads light up with the glow of the sun.

(Photo/zxvisual/Getty Images)

For the main event on July 12, it’s
possible that spectators will be treated to a stunning and clear sunset
view if the sky remains clear.
“The main issue is whether there is
a shower or thunderstorm in progress at the exact time when it would
occur,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams. “If there is
no shower, there could be a spectacular view with a red sunset sky.”
However, there currently isn’t such a storm to track, he said.
“It will be a close call between good weather and clouds ruining the show,” Abrams said.
“We know the range of possible weather: dark and showery or sunshine on what will be a warm evening,” he said.
Temperatures will hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit when the full sun is visible on the grid.RELATED:What is 'Manhattanhenge' and how does it occur?New York City's detailed forecast10 unique locations to view the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017
Onlookers can view the main event on July 12 at 8:20 p.m. EDT.
Half of the sun will be seen on the grid on July 13 at 8:21 p.m. EDT.
The
final Manhattanhenge of the year comes just weeks after the famous
Stonehenge event in England, during which the sun perfectly aligns with
the prehistoric stones during the summer solstice.
Coined by
astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Manhattanhenge takes its name from
Stonehenge, much like similar events which occur in cities including Toronto, Montreal and Chicago throughout the year.
According to deGrasse Tyson’s blog, spectators can get the best Manhattanhenge views at cross streets including 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th streets.
Observers
may also want to consider standing at the easternmost position in
Manhattan, making sure that New Jersey can still be seen to the west, the blog stated.
The sun will reenter the spotlight on Aug. 21, when the total solar eclipse will be visible across the United States for the first time since 1979.